Reviews

The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins

luciasmirin's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

justinerobinson's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

A bit of a slow burn the first half of the book, but once it gets going it’s a fun time in a read-this-on-the-beach / popcorn type of way.

emsbooks23's review against another edition

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

jessicakate14's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really enjoyed this book. The twist at the end was clever and the characters were all likeable. Something about the writing made this such an enjoyable and quick read

hikikomorka's review against another edition

2.0

The Haunted Hotel **
The dream women ***

lacewing's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

fionab_16's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

charlimi's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

fairysparklebutton's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.0

gloomynomad's review against another edition

3.0

The plot of "The Haunted Hotel" revolves around the mysterious death of Lord Montbarry, a wealthy Englishman who dies suddenly while on his honeymoon in Venice. After his death, strange occurrences begin to happen at the palazzo where he stayed, including sightings of his ghost.

The story is told through a series of letters and accounts from various characters. We learn that Lord Montbarry had a complicated personal life, including a former mistress and various family members with questionable motives. As a result, suspicion falls on several individuals as the investigation into his death continues.

As the detective assigned to the case delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of secrets and deceit involving the Montbarry family and their associates. Ultimately, the detective is able to solve the mystery and bring the culprit to justice.

The novella is known for its intricate plot, vivid descriptions of Venice, and eerie atmosphere. It explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the supernatural, and has become a classic example of Victorian ghost fiction.

Although I was enamored with the author's writing style and found myself annotating numerous lines throughout the text, I ultimately found the plot to be rather predictable.